Yes, bearded dragons can eat mice, but they should never do so on a regular basis. Mice are high in fat and protein, so they should only be fed to bearded dragons on rare occasions or in specific circumstances, such as after a severe illness or during pregnancy.
Because they contain essential vitamins and minerals, whole pinky mice are the safest option for feeding your bearded dragon mice.
Never feed wild-caught mice because they may contain parasites and other bacteria that are harmful to your bearded dragon. Overall, feeding your bearded dragon mice should be done with caution, as too much fat and protein can cause long-term health problems.
What You'll Learn
What Type of Mice Can a Bearded Dragon Eat?
Whole Pinky Mice
Pinky mice, whole, are an excellent source of nutrition for bearded dragons. They are high in protein, fat, and other vitamins and minerals, all of which are essential for a dragon’s health.
However, It should be noted that these should only be given as treats or as occasional meals because they can contain too much fat and protein for a beardie’s diet.
It is best to freeze and thaw whole pinky mice before feeding them to your dragon, as this helps to kill any potential bacteria or parasites.
Pieces of Mice
Bearded dragons can safely consume mouse pieces as part of a balanced diet. Pieces should be no bigger than the size of a bearded dragon’s head and free of fur.
A couple of pieces can be fed to a healthy bearded dragon a couple of times per week, but no more. Moderation is essential with any food.
Mice should never be used in place of regular food sources such as vegetables, fruits, and insects.
Never Feed Wild Caught Mice
It is critical to never feed a bearded dragon wild-caught mice. Wild-caught mice can carry diseases and parasites that are harmful to the health of the bearded dragon.
Furthermore, wild-caught mice may not have the same nutritional content as farm-raised mice, and may lack essential minerals, vitamins, and proteins for a healthy bearded dragon.
Because of their higher fat content, feeding wild-caught mice may also result in obesity. Rather than feeding wild-caught mice, stick to farm-raised pinky mice.
Nutritional Value of Mice
Bearded dragons can benefit from the consumption of mice, just make sure they don’t eat it on a daily basis.
They are high in protein and fat, which can provide the dragon with energy and nutrients, but again, too much protein and fat can cause issues.
Mice are high in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin D. These vitamins and minerals are essential for the overall health of a bearded dragon.
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for bearded dragons, and mice provide a significant amount of this essential nutrient.
Mice have a high protein content.. This means that when a bearded dragon eats mice, it gets a lot of protein, which is essential for healthy growth and development.
Another benefit is that mice have higher levels of essential amino acids than other feeder insects, making them an even better source of protein for your bearded dragon.
Fat
Fat is an important component of a bearded dragon’s diet, and mice can supply this nutrient. Mice have a much higher fat content than other food sources for bearded dragons, with some types containing up to 20% fat. Bearded dragons require fat for energy, and the high content found in mice can be beneficial.
Additionally, providing fatty foods can prevent vitamin A deficiency in bearded dragons. When feeding mice to your bearded dragon, keep an eye on the fat content and limit it to no more than 20% of the total diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Bearded dragons get essential vitamins and minerals from mice, including vitamin D. Vitamin D is required for calcium absorption, which is essential for strong bones and muscle development. Although pinky mice lack a fully calcified skeletal structure, they can still provide calcium along with other nutrients.
Risks of Feeding Mice to Bearded Dragons
As great as those benefits sound, there are several risks to feeding mice to bearded dragons that must be considered.
Too Much Fat and Protein
While some baby mice, such as pinkies, can be fed to a healthy bearded dragon, they should not be fed too frequently because they can cause your pet to become obese. Too much fat and protein in the diet can quickly lead to obesity and other health issues.
Potential Bacterial Infections
There is a possibility of bacterial infection when feeding mice to bearded dragons. Always ensure that the food is pre-killed or purchased from a reputable source, and always thoroughly wash your hands after handling it.
Possibility of Obstruction in the Digestive Tract
Feeding mice to a bearded dragon can cause a blockage in the digestive tract, which is a potential risk that should be considered.
When food particles are not properly digested, they cause blockages and potential long-term damage to your pet’s digestive tract.
As a result, it is critical to closely monitor your dragon’s diet and avoid feeding them too many mice, or large pieces of mouse, at once.
When to Feed Mice to Bearded Dragons
There are some circumstances in which feeding mice to bearded dragons can be beneficial.
After a Bad Illness
Feeding mice to your bearded dragon may be necessary after a bad illness. Mice are high in fat and protein, which can aid in the recovery of your dragon.
However, it is critical to ensure that the mouse comes from a reputable source and is healthy, as there is a risk of bacterial infection and digestive tract obstruction if the mouse is unhealthy.
It’s also critical to keep a close eye on your dragon’s diet to avoid giving them too much fat and protein, which can be harmful to their health. If you do feed your dragon mice after a bad illness, do so sparingly and in moderation.
During Pregnancy
Pinky mice, due to their high protein and fat content, can be beneficial to a pregnant bearded dragon. However, feeding mice to your dragon should be done sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.
Mice should not be fed to your dragon on a regular basis, but rather as a special treat when needed.
Feed only healthy mice that are no older than three days old, as older mice may contain bacteria that can harm your dragon. Before making any dietary changes for your bearded dragon, always consult with a veterinarian.
Key Points
- Mice can be fed to bearded dragons, but they should not be fed on a regular basis because they are high in fat and protein.
- Whole pinky mice are the safest option because they are high in vitamins and minerals.
- Overfeeding mice to bearded dragons can lead to obesity and other health problems.
- Pinky mice raised on farms are preferable to wild-caught mice.
- Before making any dietary changes for your bearded dragon, consult a veterinarian.
Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
